Tipping ethics in Lithuania, Do’s and Don’ts

        Tipping is relatively new trend in Lithuania that was brought by tourists only in late 90’s. However some basic rules of tipping have already formed and this article is going to teach you all you need to know.
Bars and restaurants

        In restaurant 5 – 15 % is considered to be usual. However 5 % is the standard and in some cases the 5 % tip will already be included in your bill when you receive it, so before tipping you can check your bill just to know if the tips have already been counted.
        If you are going to a pub or a bar where you pay per every drink directly to the barman you don’t need to tip him directly, look for a tips box somewhere around bar and throw your tips there, some barmen won’t even take your tip if you give it to them directly, however because you are a tourist you are expected to make mistakes and the barman won’t mind.  It goes the same when buying a drink in the night clubs. Exception might be expensive, luxury bars where you do tip the barman by the western standard, when you give tips to the barman directly.

Hotel 


        The more expensive hotel you are staying at - the more tourists form western World there are. And if the majority of tourists are form Western world you tip according to western rules, what means that you should tip almost everyone.
        If you are staying at a cheaper mid-class hotel, there are no standard rules because of variety of people visit Lithuania. Just think on your own and don’t worry if you missed someone its ok and no one will get angry at you for not tipping, some visitors from eastern countries that often visit Lithuania don’t tip at all and it’s considered to be ok.

Theaters, Cinemas


        You don’t tip anyone there. Tipping cloakroom attendant is a mistake and could even be taken as an offence. This counts to all cloakroom attendants where ever you end up.

Taxi 


One usually doesn’t tip cab drivers.

  Lithuanians have their own tipping ethics, however because various tourists visit Lithuania with different views on tipping, tourists aren’t expected to act in any specific way. Most people in Lithuanian tourism business are very tolerant when it comes to tipping mistakes. The only exception might be unnecessary tipping that could be taken as an offence in Lithuania, so if you aren’t sure not tipping at all might be a good option.